County's water system updates emergency response plan and certifies resilience assessment under AWIA

Indian River County staff presented updated risk-and-resilience and emergency response materials Nov. 4 to satisfy requirements of the America—9s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA).

Howard Richards, manager of capital projects for Utility Services, said the county certified an updated Risk and Resilience Assessment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in March and completed and certified an Emergency Response Plan in September. The updated materials reflect changes in federal guidance and include a shorter rapid response guide for field staff plus a fuller ERP for planners and emergency managers.

Consultants from Arcadis led a tabletop exercise that combined a hurricane scenario with a hazardous-materials release to test roles, responsibilities, communications and operational decision points. The tabletop involved utility staff, emergency services representatives and other stakeholders; exercise findings led to refinements in the rapid response guide and clarifications of coordination with the county—9s emergency operations center.

Richards said the ERP includes incident-specific response procedures for hazards identified in the risk assessment, asset inventories and contact lists, activation and escalation triggers, documentation standards and coordination protocols for state and federal reporting. The documents follow EPA guidance and incorporate best practices from FEMA and the American Water Works Association, staff said.

Board members asked questions and commended staff and consultant work; the meeting record reflects unanimous approval to accept the presentations and move forward with implementation steps including training and periodic exercises to keep the ERP current.

Sources: Nov. 4, 2025 Board of County Commissioners meeting transcript; staff remarks by Howard Richards and Arcadis consultants.